Senior Specialist – Supervision; Intermediary

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is responsible for the regulation of Financial Services activities in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) an award‑winning international financial centre strategically located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. ADGM comprises three independent authorities: the Registration Authority (RA), the FSRA and ADGM Courts. Together they ensure ADGM operates in accordance with international best practices recognised by major financial centres worldwide.

The FSRA was established to foster a progressive financial services environment and uphold the integrity of ADGM. Its regulatory frameworks are benchmarked to global standards ensuring financial entities operate with clarity and certainty, market participants compete on a level playing field and investor interests are safeguarded.

The Senior Specialist sits within the Fintech Supervision Intermediary team and will be directly responsible for the day‑to‑day supervisory oversight of VA broker‑dealer entities. These entities typically carry out regulated activities such as dealing in investments as principal or agent and providing custody under a Financial Services Permission (FSP) granted by the FSRA. The role involves complex supervisory challenges posed by virtual asset intermediaries, including systemic risk considerations, cross‑border regulatory coordination and technology‑driven business models.

• Participate in desk‑based and on‑site inspections, reviewing policies, operations and business models of supervised intermediaries to ensure alignment with the FSRA regulatory framework.
• Assist with the development and follow‑up of risk mitigation plans, thematic reviews and regulatory reporting associated with intermediary firms.
• Liaise with regulated firms to address issues identified during supervision and facilitate improvement in governance and risk management practices.
• Assist in the development of regulatory frameworks to address risks faced by regulated entities adopting and using virtual assets, including new products offered by regulated entities.
• Contribute to the administration of regulations, rules and risk management for the ongoing supervision of intermediary firms.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly and annual reporting by Fintech.
• Support the Senior Manager and Manager in supervising intermediary firms carrying out regulated activities in relation to Virtual Assets and Fiat‑Referenced Tokens focusing on detailed reviews, regulatory returns and risk assessments relevant to firm‑level risks such as prudential, operational, conduct and financial crime.
• Continuously improve intermediary supervision practices to ensure that ADGM takes a leading role in virtual asset and stablecoin‑related market developments.

• Support the Manager in ensuring that Supervision Intermediary operates responsibly and proficiently, embedding the culture and vision in Fintech by role‑modeling organisational behaviours through performance management, feedback and coaching.
• Understand, adopt, adhere and practice responsibilities or controls as per ADGM Information Security policy and best practices.
• Maintain confidentiality, integrity and availability of the ADGM information at all times, both within and outside ADGM.

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Finance, computer science/engineering, business or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in compliance, risk assessment, regulatory review or external/internal audit for financial intermediaries.
• Qualifications or competency relating to blockchain technologies, digital assets or related disciplines.
• Good written and oral communication skills; able to clearly report findings and recommendations.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team‑based environments and to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• High standard of personal ethics, integrity and responsibility.
• Desirable:
  Advanced degree or professional certifications in compliance or risk management (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, CFA).
• Familiarity with supervisory technology (Sup Tech) and regulatory technology (Reg Tech) systems.
• Experience working on or supporting regulatory inspections, thematic reviews or remediation programs at a regulator or within regulated firms.
• Project management experience, preferably within a financial supervisory context.
• Exposure to ADGM or UAE regulatory systems and standards.
• Proficiency in Arabic language and understanding of multicultural environments.
• Familiarity with ADGM‑specific rules and business culture.
• Exposure to international regulatory engagement and policy development.

The FSRA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.